Germany and France Condemn Israeli Minister Ben Gvir Over Calls for Mass Killings in Gaza

Germany and France have strongly condemned remarks made by Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, who called for the nightly killing of 30 to 40 Palestinians in Gaza. During a podcast, Ben Gvir stated that these targeted eliminations should occur regardless of whether the individuals pose an immediate danger, asserting that some people in Gaza are not worthy of life and are not even human. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the appeals as inhumane and in violation of international law. French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot called the statements unbearable and inhumane.

Beyond the remarks in Gaza, Germany expressed grave concern over an Israeli Ministry of Construction tender for a settlement project in the West Bank. The German government stated that there must be no further steps toward annexation in the West Bank, as such measures run counter to a two state solution. France also indicated that further sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank remain an option.

Several European countries have sought EU wide sanctions against Ben Gvir, which would include travel bans and asset freezes. While France, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have already implemented individual entry bans, bloc wide sanctions require unanimity among all 27 EU member states. Reports indicate that some member states, including the Czech Republic, have previously blocked these measures. German officials noted that the EU is preparing targeted measures against radical politicians who call for the violation of human dignity and international law.

Framing of the event varies by political lean. Center left sources emphasize the violation of international law and the threat to a two state solution. Center sources focus on the diplomatic tension and the procedural hurdles of EU sanctions. Left leaning coverage highlights the broad political consensus within Germany, noting that even far right parties condemned the minister.